MPox Is Still Around And Part Of Being Aware Of Your Sexual Health

An important message: MPox, (the communicable disease formerly known as Monkey Pox) needs to be a part of your conversation about your Sexual Health and Well-being. Mpox become a concern starting in 2022 with cases showing up in Europe and the Americas raising concerns that a disease that had been mostly been confined to Africa was gaining a foothold globally. It was of particular concern with Gay Men as the disease was spreading via gay male sexual interactions within the community.

Public awareness and ad campaigns have been instrumental in keeping the gay male community informed but mpox continues to circulate. Washington’s King County reported 35 mpox new cases in September of 2025, the highest diagnosis figure since the original outbreak in 2022. Worrying new studies from the CDC indiccate mpox might becoming a consistent presence in the community.

King County/Seattle have done a great job in the last few years with over 45,000 mpox vaccinations but the conversation must continue with people being aware the mpox is still around and keeping on top with information about the risk of the disease and the options of dealing with it. Talk to you health care provider about getting the mpox vaccination!

More info via https://empoweredagainstmpox.com/get-vaccinated/

What is Mpox?

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a vaccine-preventable, viral disease that can cause symptoms such as a painful rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes and can result in serious complications.

Vaccination is one of the best courses of defense against mpox. Help protect yourself and your community by getting vaccinated. Educate and empower yourself by learning more.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Anyone can be infected but most mpox cases have been among groups who are most at-risk including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people.

Persons at risk include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people who in the past six months have had one of the following:

• A new diagnosis of ≥1 sexually transmitted diseases
• More than one sexual partner
• Sex at a commercial sex venue​, or in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
• Sexual partners of persons with the risks described in above
• Persons who anticipate experiencing any of the above